The Development of Human Resources in the Probation Services. A Qualitative Analysis

Antonio SANDU

Abstract

We aim to highlight the perspectives of probation counsellors on their own professional development and strategies of career development, as a dimension of the social construction of the profession of the probation counsellor. The research was based on 12 interviews with probation counsellors, a focus group, and interviews with professionals in fields other than probation. Among the most important results is the existence of a high level of professional optimism and motivation, despite the high workloads of the professionals. The activity is developed in the context of a retributive collective mentality, the refraction of restorative and/or non-custodial solutions.

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